Christmas is just around the corner and I can’t think of a better way to spend December than growing in the Word! This month we’re talking about the promise, birth, and sacrifice of Jesus.

If you’re in Momentum, we’re diving deep into this topic plus we’re creating interactive elements in our Bibles! In each of the five courses, there are templates and printables so that you can easily create these entries. It looks complicated, but it’s really easy with the templates. From pull tabs to waterfalls…our Bibles are sure to be filled with joy! Scroll down to see all of the examples this month!

Putting Christ Back in CHRISTmas Bible Journaling Devotional

There is no charge for joining the Putting Christ Back in CHRISTmas Bible Journaling Devotional. Simply use this article, grab the free calendar and mini-kit provided upon sign up at the bottom of this article, and get started! To join our Bible journaling family and share your thoughts and layouts head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/BibleJournalingforBeginners.

There are multiple options to do the study. The devotional and kits are designed to help you take a deeper dive into the Word and start applying biblical principles to your life. They are not required, but they’re a fun way to grow in the Word creatively!

Purchase the kit by itself –Purchase the devotional and kit for only $7. You’ll also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets. Click here to purchase.

Free option – To get the calendar and free mini-kit, please scroll to the bottom of this article and register for our emails between November 30 and December 31, 2018. If you are on the email list and haven’t received it, please check your spam! The emails will begin sending out on the 30th!

How to Put CHRIST back in Christmas

I feel like every year there’s less Christ in Christmas and more marketing promotions for the latest gadgets. Apparently, it’s even controversial to say Merry Christmas to people at work or in a store. You can say Happy Halloween, Happy Valentine’s Day, or Happy New Year, but if you say Merry Christmas, you might end up with some required sensitivity training. Before you know it, people will forget why we started celebrating it, to begin with.

The birth, death, and resurrection of Christ are the most important events in human history. Not celebrating them seems like a missed opportunity to shine in a world that’s so often dark. So, I celebrate Christmas with passion and purpose.

This year, I continue to focus on putting CHRIST back in Christmas. If you feel the same way, here are a few ideas that might help.

It Starts with Purpose

Christmas Day has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870. The main purpose of Christmas for most Christians is to celebrate Christ’s birth, share the good news with others, and bring light to others through various activities. No, this isn’t something we only do in December, but we like to put extra emphasis on it this month.

As you consider what Christmas means to you, ask yourself why you celebrate it. What purpose does it hold for you? Are you celebrating Jesus’ birth? Asking this question should help provide some clarity.

How to Keep Christ in CHRISTmas

The #1 way to keep Christ in your Christmas celebrations is to keep him present in your everyday life. A practice of daily Scripture reading, Bible journaling, prayer, or worship can create a habit of pointing to Jesus in everything you do.

Of course, if you want to make it extra special this month you can spend more time with your family, give, volunteer, and share the good news. If your time is short, take small moments with the ones you love, but make them focused and meaningful. Consider setting aside time together as a family to read Scripture, use an Advent calendar, or simply present all those you come into contact with the love, spirit, and character of Christ that lives in you through your actions.

Make a To-Don’t List

Unfortunately, many of us spend far too much time on urgent matters and not enough time on the things that are important. Not everything that you want to get done will get done. Prioritizing is key.

To prioritize, write down everything that you’re planning on doing to celebrate Christmas. Next, put a check next to the ones that fulfill the purpose that you listed above. The ones that don’t have a check can move to your “to-don’t” list. If you’re unwilling to move them to the “to-don’t” list, ask yourself why.

You’ll be surprised at how many things you have on your list that you do, but they don’t tie back to your purpose at all. Perhaps you’re baking cookies because you always have. Maybe you’re overspending on presents because you want to feel better or because it’s a habit that you’ve created.

Christmas should not be centered on all the things that stress you out. Your to-don’t list will help.

Don’t Get Caught Up in the Marketing

The Christmas spirit isn’t about the things. If you find yourself getting caught up in the consumerist Christmas mindset, find the courage to step away and focus the season on Christ. Instead of the stress, have a Christmas that’s as peaceful and vibrant as the night Christ was born. If stockings stress you out, don’t do them. If you enjoy them, add them in. Do what works for you and your walk with Christ.

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

We all tend to compare ourselves to others, especially during the holidays. The important thing to remember is that someone else’s imagined excellence or luck is only your perception. Be thankful for your blessings and focused on the things that matter.

Dedicate a Special Gift to Jesus

During the Christmas holiday give Jesus a special gift. Search deep within you and consider forgiving someone that has deeply hurt you or ask someone you’ve wronged for forgiveness. Not ready for that? That’s ok. Consider committing to spending time with God each day and developing a closer relationship with him. Make this gift the most important one of the season. You might find that in doing so, you’ve given yourself a gift.

Choose to say Merry CHRISTmas

Let the joy of the Christmas show in your life in all ways, and don’t be afraid to use your voice as well. When someone greets you with a “Happy Holidays!” Smile in return and cheerfully say “Merry CHRISTmas!”

What If You Don’t Celebrate CHRISTmas?

Christmas is controversial both within the Christian community and outside of it. Some Christians celebrate it as they recognize the birth of Jesus and others prefer not to.

Celebrating Christmas is not a requirement, and you shouldn’t feel bad about enjoying it or feel left out because you don’t. However, if you do choose to celebrate it, know why you do, and honor that.

For me, I choose to celebrate it as the birth of my Lord and Savior. Is there data that suggests it’s not truly His birth date? Sure, but, I celebrate it anyway. Christmas for me is a purposeful time to remember and reflect on what Jesus did for me, and how grateful I am for salvation.

Hebrews 2:17

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

Merry Christmas Bible Devotional – Hebrews 2:17

Jeremiah 33:15-16

In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.16 In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

Merry Christmas Bible Devotional – Jeremiah 33 15:16

Luke 1:31

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.

Merry Christmas Bible Devotional – Luke 1:31

John 1:29

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Merry Christmas Bible Devotional – John 1:29

1 Peter 1:1-13

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Born Again to a Living Hope

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully,inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

Called to Be Holy

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas Bible Devotional – 1 Peter 1:13

1 Timothy 1:17

To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Merry Christmas Bible Devotional – 1 Timothy 1:17

Job 37:6

For to the snow he says, ‘Fall on the earth,’ likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour.

Merry Christmas Bible Devotional – Job 37:6

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Merry Christmas Bible Devotional – Isaiah 9:6

John 8:12

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Merry Christmas Bible Devotional – John 8:12

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Merry Christmas Bible Devotional – James 1:17

Merry Christmas! I hope this year has been amazing for you. Next year will be even better!

Free Bible Journaling Templates Every Month!

As a member of our VIP list you'll receive freebies at least every month. You'll also receive the latest Bible journaling news, updates, and tutorials!

There is no charge for joining the Blessed Beyond Measure Bible Journaling challenge. Simply use this article, grab the free calendar and mini-kit provided upon sign up at the bottom of this article, and get started! To join our Bible journaling family and share your thoughts and layouts head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/BibleJournalingforBeginners.

There are multiple options to do the study. The devotional and kits are designed to help you take a deeper dive into the Word and start applying biblical principles to your life. They are not required, but they’re a fun way to grow in the Word creatively!

Subscribe to the 2018 kits – New for 2018! You can get all of the 2018 devotionals and their corresponding kit as they release for only $52. That’s $1/Week. You also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets Click here to purchase.

Purchase the kit by itself –New for 2018! Purchase the devotional and kit for only $7. You’ll also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets. Click here to purchase.

Free option – To get the calendar and free mini-kit, please scroll to the bottom of this article and register for our emails between October 31 and November 30, 2018. If you are on the email list and haven’t received it, please check your spam! The emails will begin sending out on the 1st!

Hind-sight is always 20/20. It’s so much easier to see the Blessings in my life after the battle. I’m not alone. It’s not unusual for people to miss blessings from time to time. Things we once thought weren’t blessings turn out to be the best ones, and things we thought were blessings turn out not to be. It happens to everyone.

That said, failure to acknowledge the existence of your blessings isn’t a state that you want to remain in. The ability to experience joy and contentment begins when you’re grateful for the many blessings God has bestowed upon you.

Recognizing a Blessing isn’t Always Easy

It can be difficult to recognize blessings during troubled times, but this is the perfect time to take a long, hard look at yourself and acknowledge what you have instead of what you don’t have. It’s also important to recognize that “this too shall pass.” When you’re going through tough times, the best way to handle it is to maintain a mindset of gratitude to the Lord, amidst the chaos, and know that His many blessings, whether physical or spiritual, will get you through.

Spiritual Blessings

These are the blessings given only to those who are in Christ. The indwelling Holy Spirit is the one who delivers these blessings to you. In the first chapter of Ephesians, Paul writes about them.

You are chosen (v.4)

You are holy and blameless in Christ (v.4)

You stand in His Love (v.4)

You are his child (v.5)

You are accepted(v.6)

You are redeemed (v.7)

Your sins are forgiven (v.7)

You have the riches of His grace (v.7)

He made the mystery of His will known to you (v.9)

You have an eternal inheritance (v.14)

You have the Holy Spirit (v.13)

You have a calling (v.18)

You are valuable to Jesus (v.18)

You have His great power (v.19)

It’s important to remember that you are unconditionally loved by God. He died for your sins, forgiven you and provided you with the ultimate of blessings – eternal life.

Physical Blessings

These are blessings that are endowed on all, whether they serve God or not. God has given us our physical bodies that will help us live life to the fullest if we treat them like the temples they are. He also blessed us with the beautiful planet we live on, our families, and other successes. All things are possible if we keep sight of our Lord and appreciate his blessings.

Seeing Blessings

Some blessings can be easy to see like good health, financial stability, a wonderful marriage, and happy, healthy children. Other noticeable blessings can range from necessary provisions to extraordinary talent backed by an abundance of resources. Other blessings are hard to understand like financial and natural disasters.

When enduring what appears to be impossible situations to handle, it can feel like God is a million miles away at the very second you need Him the most. Doubt and fear come into play, which makes it seem like prayers go unanswered.

It doesn’t need to be this way. It’s during difficult times when you should rely on Him the most. There’s nothing quite like dealing with a troubling situation and then experiencing the sense that God has wrapped His arms around you in a protective, comforting hug. After all, He is greater than any circumstances you may face.

Four Ways to Recognize Blessings

Not every blessing will be in the form and function of what you want it to be, so it’s important to have the skills necessary to recognize blessings. Here are a few tips to help you discern if the blessing is really a blessing from God.

1. Remove Your Worldly Opinion

Sometimes (actually, quite often) our worldly opinion about our current situation is wrong. Just because you think it’s a blessing doesn’t mean it is. The opposite is also true. You may think something isn’t a blessing, when in fact it is. Instead, release your opinion and be open to God’s. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the blessing in your current circumstances.

2. Pray About it

Ask God to help you discern it. Pray, study Scripture, be patient, and trust in God’s love and ability to guide you through life. When you pray for God’s guidance and for clarity through the Holy Spirit, you can count on Him to provide the wisdom you need to see your blessings.

3. Test it

Is it in alignment with His Word? God will never contradict Himself. Every Scripture in the Bible is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17), so you should take what is written in the Bible very seriously. Blessings come as you give yourself over to God, trusting Him, his presence filling you with confidence and hope.

4. Listen to the Holy Spirit

Scripture says the Holy Spirit comes into the heart of that newly-born child of God and lives there (1 Corinthians 3:16). What is the Holy Spirit telling you? Always remember and firmly believe that you have immeasurable power through the Holy Spirit.

Life is hard. God never said it would be easy. However, when you face struggles, look for the blessings. You just might find them.

Psalm 103:1-10

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity,who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit,who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with goodso that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The Lord works righteousnessand justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses,his acts to the people of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide,nor will he keep his anger forever.He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.

Blessed Beyond Measure Psalm 103:1-10

Luke 10:20

Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Blessed Beyond Measure Luke 10:20

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Blessed Beyond Measure 2 Corinthians 9:8

Genesis 1:22

And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”

Blessed Beyond Measure Genesis 1:22

Matthew 5:1-2

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

Blessed Beyond Measure Matthew 5:1-2

Free Bible Journaling Templates Every Month!

As a member of our VIP list you'll receive freebies at least every month. You'll also receive the latest Bible journaling news, updates, and tutorials!

Joining the Be Courageous – A Bible Journaling Devotional

There is no charge for joining the Be Courageous bible journaling devotional. Simply use this article, grab the free calendar and mini-kit provided upon sign up at the bottom of this article, and get started! To join our Bible journaling family and share your thoughts and layouts head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/BibleJournalingforBeginners.

There are multiple options to do the study. The devotional and kits are designed to help you take a deeper dive into the Word and start applying biblical principles to your life. They are not required, but they’re a fun way to grow in the Word creatively!

Subscribe to the 2018 kits – New for 2018! You can get all of the 2018 devotionals and their corresponding kit as they release for only $52. That’s $1/Week. You also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets Click here to purchase.

Purchase the kit by itself –New for 2018! Purchase the devotional and kit for only $7. You’ll also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets. Click here to purchase.

Free option – To get the calendar and free mini-kit, please scroll to the bottom of this article and register for our emails between September 30, 2018 and October 31, 2018. If you are on the email list and haven’t received it, please check your spam! The emails will begin sending out on the 31st!

Have Courage: 7 Ways to Tackle the Giants in Your Life

Courage is considered by some to be one of the most important human virtues. Having courage is sometimes easier said than done. Learning how to be courageous, even if it’s just to ask for a well-earned promotion, doesn’t mean an absence of fear. It means feeling the fear and taking action anyway. Life requires courage. Unfortunately, a lot of us lose sight of its importance, meaning, and power.

Have the Courage of a Lion

Whenever I’m fighting the challenges that make me fearful, the story of the Cowardly Lion comes to mind. You see, the poor lion was faced with the biggest challenge of his life in the forest he had called home for so long. He was filled with feelings of shame a guilt because of his perceived cowardice. Yet somehow, along with his friends, he pushed forward bravely and set out to save Dorothy and Toto. With a little helpful guidance from the Wizard of Oz he conquered his fears in a burst of courage, fearlessly taking on the wicked witch. The lesson here? Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s taking action in spite of it. Keep in mind, you don’t need to wait to have courage. You can have it every day, in every situation.

Here are seven ways to have courage every day and tackle the giants in your life.

1. Consider Your Perspective

Are you looking up at a giant or is the giant too close to you to really tell if it is one? Take a step back and change your perspective to get a good idea of what you’re dealing with. Maybe it’s not so big after all. Maybe it’s smaller than you think. Keep this in mind – in most cases, FEAR is really “False Evidence Appearing Real”.

2. Consider Probabilities

Isn’t it unlikely that the worst thing you’re imagining is going to come to fruition? In most cases, our minds make things seem larger than they truly are. Do some research and arm yourself with information. What happens if your fears become reality? Step through each fear.

Ask yourself, is it likely to happen?

If so, what might happen?

How will I, with God’s strength, tackle the issue?

You’ll probably find that you can live with the outcome and that the outcome you imagine is not likely to happen. If it is likely to happen, prepare yourself and keep reading.

3. Understand the Source of Your Courage

To participate fully in life you need to know the source of your courage. How do you find courage when fear towers over, threatens you, and makes you feel like cowering and fleeing? The answer is God. Have confidence in God’s promises and ability to fulfill them. Know the source of courage; God is the source (Samuel 17:45).

4.Put on Your Armor

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. – Ephesians 6:11 (WEB)

Protect yourself from fear with the Armor of God. Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Prepare for battles today, especially when you know for certain they are coming. With God by your side, you can overcome any obstacle.

5.Don’t Worry About What Others Think

There are always going to be people who try to force their opinions on you. While you should listen, and consider wisdom from your mentors and others whom you look up to, it’s important to understand where they’re coming from and what their motivations may be. Are they looking out for you? Are they fearful of the outcome?

If David would’ve heeded his brother’s chastising or listened to Saul’s advice, he may not have faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17:28 – 30). Instead, he pursued his plan. He knew he had God in his corner. Plus, he was prepared. He had the right armor for the job and was skilled at slinging; likely having practiced many times while protecting his flock.

6. Unify with Other Believers

There’s nothing quite as inspirational as surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded, supportive people, including fellow believers at your church or in your community. When you unify with other believers, you collectively experience the ultimate source of courage, God’s love.

7. Trust in God

If you find yourself stuck in a fearful state, the most important thing to do is give yourself to God. Trusting in God is a critical factor that moves you from barely surviving to flourishing. Trust God and know the battle is already won (John 16:33). Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Prepare for the battle you know is coming and be ready for the ones you don’t anticipate. Step out in faith and have courage every day.

1 Samuel 17:45

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Daniel 3:16-17

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

Joining the A Joyful Heart – Bible Journaling Study

There is no charge for joining the A Joyful Heart bible journaling study. Simply use this article, grab the free calendar and mini-kit provided upon sign up at the bottom of this article, and get started! To join our Bible journaling family and share your thoughts and layouts head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/BibleJournalingforBeginners.

There are multiple options to do the study. The devotional and kits are designed to help you take a deeper dive into the Word and start applying biblical principles to your life. They are not required, but they’re a fun way to grow in the Word creatively!

Subscribe to the 2018 kits – New for 2018! You can get all of the 2018 devotionals and their corresponding kit as they release for only $52. That’s $1/Week. You also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets Click here to purchase.

Purchase the kit by itself –New for 2018! Purchase the devotional and kit for only $7. You’ll also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets. Click here to purchase.

Free option – To get the calendar and free mini-kit, please scroll to the bottom of this article and register for our emails between August 31 and September 30, 2018. If you are on the email list and haven’t received it, please check your spam! The emails will begin sending out on the 31st!

10 Ways to Find Joy in Every Season

Joy is defined as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. However, unlike happiness, joy is a consistent state of hope, confidence, and contentment. It can occur during challenging times and can simultaneously exist with sorrow (2 Corinthians 6:10).

Unfortunately, life gets in the way, making it difficult to feel joyful. How do you find joy when you’re rushing to work, dealing with a challenge you’re not sure you can overcome, or going through a distressing transition? Even the most devote followers sometimes lose their joy. That’s why it’s so important to be connected with God through the Holy Spirit and powered by His Word. Here are ten ways (in no particular order) to be joyful Christian that will help keep you centered, especially when you’re not feeling it.

1. Read God’s Word

Feelings of discouragement and stress are not conducive to joy. When you feel yourself giving into a sense of hopelessness, make reading God’s Word your first response even if you’re not sure where to begin. Simply open your Bible and ask the Lord to guide you to a passage that will help restore your joy.

If we love the Word, we’ll find great joy and comfort in reading it (Psalm 119:111).

2. Spend time with Him in Prayer

God is the source of Joy (Psalm 16:11). It makes sense that if you want to have more joy, that you seek it from the source. True happiness and authentic joy can only be found in God’s presence. Get in the habit of praying daily, and you’ll feel joyous in no time.

3. Be in a Community with Others

There is true power in gathering together with other like-minded Christians. The relationship that we have with fellow believers unites us, and we are called to lift each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Through fellowship, volunteer service, prayer, and worship, you’ll find your joy restored. If you can’t find a community nearby, consider starting one. You don’t need to be a biblical scholar to get a few people together to praise and worship our Lord.

4. Pay Attention

Pay close attention to those you surround yourself with. It’s good to have all types of friends, but make sure you’re surrounding yourself with ones that you want be like. If the friends you’re spending most of your time with live in a state of self-induced negativity, don’t believe in the Lord, or are generally judgmental people, you’ll find some of it rubs off on you even if you have your guard up. It’s important to take a step back and assess who contributes or hinders your joy. You don’t need to cut them off completely, but you should be aware of how they impact you at a minimum.

5. Be in Tune with the Holy Spirit

Find a quiet place where you can peacefully reflect whether it’s through meditation, prayer, or just sitting still and opening your mind. Make time to tune in to the Holy Spirit. You’ll be surprised by how much better you’ll feel and how much more at peace you’ll be.

6. Share the Good News about Jesus

While some feel a sense of social awkwardness when it comes to talking about spirituality, it’s one of the best ways to bring joy back into your life. Sharing the good news about Jesus can be life-changing for those who hear- hence a restoration of joy.

Jesus said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” John 20:21 ESV.

7. Help Others

There’s nothing quite like the joy of helping others. Whether it’s donating to your favorite charity, volunteering, and being kind. Doing good is its own reward. Most people that make it a point to help others say they do it because it makes them feel great. Helping others is also a powerful way to give back in thanks for all the blessings you’ve received in life.

8. Give

It seems counterintuitive to give stuff or money away and expect to feel joyful, but I promise you it’s not. God loves a cheerful giver (1 Corinthians 9:7) and there’s even scientific evidence that He hard-wired it in our brains so that we would experience joy in doing so.

9. Worship God

Worship is critical because it’s the key to God’s presence. When we worship God, we forget about what’s going on in our lives and place our focus on Christ. Sing a hymn, dance on the sidewalk, play your instrument in His honor. It is during these times that we truly experience His presence.

10. Bible Journal

Joy is most complete when it’s expressed in worship, whether it’s through prayer, giving to others, or in a creative way like Bible journaling. Bible journaling is an artistic way to enrich your spiritual life. Journaling is about growing in the Word creatively, and often those who engage in it deepen their joy instantaneously. As you unleash your creativity on the pages, inspired by scripture, you’ll feel your heart fill with joy too.

You can be joyful every day and in every season. But it does take practice. Consider doing one or more of these items each day and experience how life-changing staying connected to God can be. It will dramatically impact how you feel, lifting you up and preparing you to receive pure joy and happiness.

What are other things you can do to be more joyful?

Psalm 51:12

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Joining the A Joyful Heart – Bible Journaling Study Psalm 51:12

John 15:11

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Joining the A Joyful Heart – Bible Journaling Study John 15:11

Psalm 1:3

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Joining the A Joyful Heart – Bible Journaling Study Psalm 1:3

2 Corinthians 6:10

As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

Psalm 16:11

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Joining the A Joyful Heart – Bible Journaling Study Psalm 16:11

Jude 1:24

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy.

Joining the A Joyful Heart – Bible Journaling Study Jude 1:24

Nehemiah 12:43

And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.

Joining the A Joyful Heart – Bible Journaling Study Nehemiah 12:43

1 Peter 1:5-8

Who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Joining the A Joyful Heart – Bible Journaling Study 1 Peter 1:5-8

The Bibles used in these photos are:

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Joining the Where Are You God Bible Journaling Study

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There are multiple options to do the study. The devotional and kits are designed to help you take a deeper dive into the Word and start applying biblical principles to your life. They are not required, but they’re a fun way to grow in the Word creatively!

Subscribe to the 2018 kits – New for 2018! You can get all of the 2018 devotionals and their corresponding kit as they release for only $52. That’s $1/Week. You also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets Click here to purchase.

Purchase the kit by itself –New for 2018! Purchase the devotional and kit for only $7. You’ll also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets. Click here to purchase.

Free option – To get the calendar and free mini-kit, please scroll to the bottom of this article and register for our emails before June 30, 2018. If you are on the email list and haven’t received it, please check your spam!

God is Here!

If you are experiencing the silence when you reach out to God, it doesn’t mean that you’re not a good Christian or that he’s left you. It’s quite the opposite. There are many reasons why you may feel disconnected from God, but just because you may feel the silence doesn’t mean that he’s not here.

Why is God Silent?

At some point in your life, you’ve probably wondered if God has forsaken you. You are not alone. When God is silent, it’s hard to muster up the strength to keep on keeping on.

But why is God silent? That’s a good question. One that only God can answer for your specific situation.

I can tell you that the universe is complex and only God knows why things happen that don’t make sense to me. I can’t simplify God by finding reasons for everything He allows (like Job’s friends did in the book of Job). Nor can I condemn God based on the evidence I don’t have (like Job did later in the book).

Read the book of Job. In Job 38-41, the Lord asks Job a series of questions about the earth, sky, and animals. It’s like an interrogation. By chapter 40, Job starts to get the point. Job doesn’t know what God knows. He doesn’t know how to run this world and shouldn’t condemn God for the way He runs it.

The author of Job never tells us why God allowed Satan to do what he did. We don’t get to know, which is an important outcome of understanding the book of Job. As believers, we are to trust God’s wisdom when we encounter suffering. We are to seek Him. Here’s how.

10 Ways to Find God in the Silence

Know that God is Here: If you truly believe in God, know that He is with you. In fact, He never leaves you. Even in your darkest hours, He is with you. Trust that even His silence is an answer.

Read God’s Word: If God is silent, it’s possible that He has already spoken to you through His Word. It’s important to read and meditate on the Bible, trusting in God to meet you objectively through His Word.

Listen: As you read the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to disclose what you need to do and seek to understand. As you read, take a few minutes to silently listen, letting your soul find peace and comfort in the silence. It is often that, through the silence, you’ll receive your answer.

Pray: Prayer is a conversation between you and God. In prayer, we’re aligning our lives with God’s purpose. Even though He might appear to be silent about a specific petition or request, remember that God is always with us. He hears you.

Gather: “Gather in Jesus’ name (Matthew 18:20)”. Gathering together in Jesus’ name, whether it’s in church or as a family, provides spiritual growth and accountability. Gathering together also adds power to prayer, often breaking through the silence, uncovering the answers we seek. “For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them (Matthew 18:19-20 TEV)”.

Recognize God’s Sovereignty: Many Christians today have lost the biblical perspective of the magnificent greatness of God. Nothing takes place without God’s knowledge and plan. He gave us life, we sinned, and He doesn’t owe us anything. That said, He remains steadfast, He keeps His promises, and He never leaves us. We need to respect that he may or may not answer us, but it’s important to be open to receiving his response.

Examine Your Heart: Consider this – God may be remaining silent because what you’re seeking could take you down the wrong path. Trust that God will help straighten out whatever is going on in your life that has left you fearful or feeling lost. Ask Him to guide you and then let Him! Will you trust that God will lead you out of the desert?

Renew your Mind: Take the time to receive God’s Word and evaluate your life. Are there things in your life that the Holy Spirit is calling for you to change? Whether it’s a path you’re considering taking, a character flaw, an addiction problem, or depression that’s having a negative effect on your life, take time to renew your mind, leaving yourself open to receiving God’s Word.

Take Action: Take a step in the direction that he’s called you to. Perhaps you need to change something in your life, forgive someone, ask for forgiveness, stop doing something harmful, stop allowing something harmful to happen, or start something healthy. You must participate in the life you are given.

Have Hope: I love the paraphrased Message(MSG) version of Jeremiah 29:11. This is God’s Word on the subject: “As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

God knows what He’s doing. When you ask, Where Are You God, know that He is here. Use the 10 tips above to help. Then, be patient and trust in the Lord.

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There are multiple options to do the study. The devotional and kits are designed to help you take a deeper dive into the Word and start applying biblical principles to your life. They are not required, but they’re a fun way to grow in the Word creatively!

Subscribe to the 2018 kits – New for 2018! You can get all of the 2018 devotionals and their corresponding kit as they release for only $52. That’s $1/Week. You also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets Click here to purchase.

Purchase the kit by itself –New for 2018! Purchase the devotional and kit for only $7. You’ll also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets. Click here to purchase.

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Let’s Dream Big Together!

I have BIG dreams. I’m probably the biggest dreamer in my family. I believe that believers can do anything that’s within God’s will for us. But, action isn’t easy and taking the “wrong” action can lead to a longer journey. You must pursue the right work. That’s why understanding and pursuing the bigger picture is so critical. Here are a few ideas to help you set yourself up for success.

Believe in the Person God Created You to Be

If you’re like most people, you have at least one person that you look up to and admire. Perhaps you’ve read the autobiographies of successful people and studied the lives of individuals you admire. You may have even tried to emulate their journeys in search of their secret formula. If you’ve come up short, here’s a peek at the answer. The answer is that they believe they can – just like the Little Engine that Could.

God created you. You have God-given talents and abilities to do what he put you here on earth to do. I often get “poo-pooed” for my optimism in this space, but please…hear me out. Things are not always black and white.

I was having a conversation with a very special person in my life, and he told me that I’d never go to the moon. He said, “Even if you wanted to and did everything 100% correctly, you will never get to the moon.” I don’t think he “gets” me.

Sure, I may not go to the moon today, but maybe I’m not supposed to go to the moon. If the Holy Spirit is telling me that I’m an astronaut, then I must work to discern what I need to do related to that calling. Perhaps I’m supposed to encourage a future astronaut. Maybe I’m supposed to visit a flight simulator and learn what zero gravity feels like so I can be prepared for the next step in my journey. Perhaps, while I’m seeking clarity, I bump into someone who also wants to be an astronaut, but while we chat he comes to know Christ.

Just because I have a calling, doesn’t mean I understand the depths of God’s plan in my life. Our God is not a simple God. He’s more complex than anything I’ll ever understand. But His plan is perfect.

Believe in God’s plan for you. There is only one of you, and he has big plans for your future!

What Does the Bible Say about the Importance of Dreams?

There are two different types of dreams. One that God provides and one that he doesn’t. You have to discern whether or not your dream is from God. If you have questions about discernment, I encourage you to work through the Stand in the Truth devotional in Momentum. The cheat sheet is this: if it goes against the Word of God, it is not from God. This is why it’s important to read and know the Word.

A dream (or calling) that you’ve discerned is from God will not be ignored. Believe me; I’ve tried it. You don’t want to ignore the Holy Spirit. It won’t turn out good for you. I speak from experience.

When people attempt to set goals, and achieve their dreams without God, they may get what they think they want or deserve. However, they will often find the process or result to be empty and unsatisfying.

When God’s plan for you is your dream, and your deepest desires align with His wise and loving plan for you, you’ll be unstoppable. That doesn’t mean we should sit back and rely on God to make our “dreams come true.” He gave us the ability to believe in our dreams AND take action. The Bible says we must confirm our calling and election (2 Peter 1:10).

Believing in Your Dreams When Others Don’t

Sometimes those closest to us don’t support our dreams. If you’re like most people, you’ll likely face resistance from those you love the most. That’s ok! That’s part of the plan. If it was easy, you wouldn’t get the opportunity to grow.

Sometimes having a big dream is what you need to navigate a relationship. Once you’ve completed that journey, somehow the dream morphs into something else. That’s ok too. This is why having a RELATIONSHIP with God is key. Talk to your Father. Ask Him for discernment, wisdom, and direction.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

To set yourself up for success, you need to start with a clear plan, thinking through the details, breaking it down into all the workable parts. I use a tool called Trello to help me out.

Then set a time frame for accomplishing every task associated with your plan and when you expect to achieve your goals. Put some buffer (or extra time) in your plan because life happens, and you only get one to live.

It’s also important to seek out mentors and wise counsel. When it comes to mentors, find people who have been where you are, dreamed big, and achieved their goals. They should be individuals you can turn to for advice and questions. If you don’t have anyone in your circle that fits the role of “mentor, you can study successful people you’ve never met who have reached their dreams.

Take Action

Taking action is one of the most crucial steps when it comes to life changes. Unfortunately, this is where many dreamers fall short. One of the biggest things that successful people do that others don’t is show up. Yup. They show up day after day and do the work.

Let your desired outcomes come alive and infuse your life through actions. It’s important to remember that, to win, you must act. You can’t win the race without taking action.

Dreaming is Important

Life is too short to sit back, waiting for something great to happen to you. That’s why it’s so important to have dreams and ambitions that we want to accomplish.

Maybe you’ve been told that dreaming is a waste of time. Perhaps you’ve been told you’ll never amount to anything. That’s a lie. It’s not of God. God knows everything about you. He made you in your mother’s womb exactly how you are supposed to be (Psalm 139:13-14). The Bible says you can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). You will amount to something because YOU ALREADY ARE SOMETHING. If you don’t believe me, I encourage you to read the You are Beautiful devotional in Momentum.

Go Get ‘Em

Dreams aren’t just experiences you have while you sleep. They’re the visions and goals that ignite your heart and bathe your soul with joy and excitement at the very thought of them. They’re those passionate visions of what you want your life to be at its highest possible level of fulfillment. Don’t be afraid to dream big, and then take that first step.

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There are multiple options to do the study. The devotional and kits are designed to help you take a deeper dive into the Word and start applying biblical principles to your life. They are not required, but they’re a fun way to grow in the Word creatively!

Subscribe to the 2018 kits – New for 2018! You can get all of the 2018 devotionals and their corresponding kit as they release for only $52. That’s $1/Week. You also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets Click here to purchase.

Purchase the kit by itself –New for 2018! Purchase the devotional and kit for only $7. You’ll also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets. Click here to purchase.

Free option – To get the calendar and free mini-kit, please scroll to the bottom of this article and register for our emails before April 30, 2018. If you are on the email list and haven’t received it, please check your spam!

Note: This article about the resurrection of Christ may be a bit graphic or cause you to feel emotions you’re not prepared for. If this is the case, you may prefer to skip over the sections labeled, Did the Resurrection Happen? and How the Apostles Died.

Christ is Risen!

He is Risen! For Christians, these three words bring pure joy and hope to their lives. Believing in the resurrection comes down to having faith. If you’ve lost faith or need a reminder of the importance of the resurrection, read on!

Why is the Resurrection Important?

Without the resurrection, faith would be pointless. The apostle Paul tells us that “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:13-14). Put simply, if Christ’s resurrection didn’t take place, having faith would be worthless. If Christianity is just about physical life, it really doesn’t matter what we do, or how we live, or what we believe. Fortunately, Jesus was resurrected, a truth that changed the lives of the children he suffered for on the cross.

Looking for proof of the resurrection? Keep reading.

Daily Importance

Believing in the resurrection plays an important part in our daily lives. For instance, believing in the resurrection makes it easier to deal with the challenges and persecutions we face. When we run into problems, believers don’t give up because we know this earthly world isn’t the end for us. It’s only the beginning. Things get better when it’s our time to head home to Heaven.

Eternal Reward

Thanks to Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, the purest sign of unconditional love, we will live forever by his side. There isn’t a greater reward than this – a reward that is well worth dealing with any trials and tribulations we may face as Christians.

Did the Resurrection Happen?

Yes – it’s in the Bible. – “He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee” Luke 24:6. Those who’ve attempted to disprove Jesus’ resurrection have come up short, and in many cases, have embraced Christianity. CS Lewis is a great example. But if you need more, here’s a great article on historical evidence for the resurrection.

Assuming that a person didn’t believe in the Bible, understanding what the apostles did after the resurrection and how they died should be evidence enough. What makes a person believe in something so much they’re willing to be skinned alive, beheaded, stoned to death, or crucified? What did they see? What did they experience that made it ok to die such unfathomable deaths?

How the Apostles Died

It’s easy to forget the past, but somethings should be remembered. The details of the deaths of the apostles are still debatable, but here’s what I’ve discovered and believe to be true.

Simon: Martyred in Rome during emperor Nero’s reign, Simon, also known as Peter, asked to be crucified in an upside-down position, so that his death wouldn’t be equal to Jesus’.

Andrew: Scourged, and, instead of being nailed to a cross, Andrew was purposely tied to the cross because it took longer to die (2 days).

James: Also known as James the Greater, James was beheaded with a sword along with his accuser who converted because of his courage.

John: The only apostle of the twelve that wasn’t murdered. John died of old age.

Philip: The first of Jesus’s disciples, Philip was scourged, put into prison, and later crucified.

Bartholomew: There were two reports of how Bartholomew died. One that said he was beaten, then crucified, the other that was skinned alive then beheaded.

Thomas: Thomas was martyred by having a spear run through him.

Matthew: A swordsman stabbed Mathew in the back.

James: At 94, James, also known as James the Less, was beaten and stoned by his persecutors, then clubbed to death.

Thaddaeus: Also known as Jude, Judas, and Lebbaeus. Thaddaeus was crucified.

Simon the Canaanite: Simon, also known as a zealot, was also crucified.

Judas Iscariot: The infamous, treacherous apostle hanged himself. It was also said that he threw himself from a high place located on land he had purchased with blood money.

Matthias: While not one of the original 12, Matthias was chosen to replace Judas. He died of old age or by stoning.

Paul: Paul was also not one of the original 12, but perhaps the most influential. Most historical documents refer to his beheading at the command of Nero.

Please leave a comment with a link to our source if you believe I need to update my list. Thanks!

What to Do About Your Belief

Read the Bible and understand the resurrection and its significance to your faith.

1. Consider What Happened after the Resurrection (in Acts)

Read the book of Acts. Following His resurrection, Jesus made several appearances to his followers which caused dramatic changes in their lives. Because of the preaching of His faithful disciples, inspired by the resurrection, the Christian church was founded and expanded.

If you don’t fully believe the Bible, read about the apostle’s lives and deaths, and ask yourself why someone would go to such extremes for something that might be false. It’s incomprehensible.

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to Help You with Any Disbelief You’re Experiencing

When you chose to give your life to Christ, the Holy Spirit entered you and is still within you. When you feel lost, turn to the Holy Spirit, pour out your feelings and open your heart to the purest form of love and acceptance. Remember, glorious joy comes from not just visually seeing Christ, but by believing in Him. Enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that you’re never really alone. Once you’ve reconciled your beliefs, you can start sharing your faith wherever you go, thereby sharing your life-changing joy.

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to Provide Opportunities to Share Your Faith

“Ask and it shall be given to you.” When you open your mind and heart to the Holy Spirit, opportunities will appear to share your faith. There are a lot of lost souls in the world today that need loving, patient guidance. Be God’s right hand.

4. Do It in a Loving and Respectful Way

Always be prepared to share your faith, ready to give an answer to anyone who is looking for a reason to have hope – to believe in something greater than themselves. The important thing is to share your faith gently and with respect. Use your God-given gifts to serve others through Him.

5. Be Prepared for the Battle and have Courage

There are naysayers out there that will do their best to blow out the candle of your faith. When you face attacks, stand strong and realize that these precious people are dealing with internal struggles and past experiences. Hopefully one day they’ll believe, perhaps because you planted a seed. It’s important to remember that any conversation about God is going to necessitate a degree of faith. The crucifixion and resurrection were unprecedented acts of sacrificial, selfless, love. These were acts that were so significant that believing should and will come naturally. If you need a reminder from time to time, reaching out to the Holy Spirit and reading the Bible will help get you back on track.

The most important thing to remember is to never stop believing and sharing the good news. It’s time to Rise Up!

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There is no charge for joining the He Created study. You will be able to answer the weekly prompts using the calendar and mini-kit provided. To participate join our Facebook Group – Bible Journaling for Beginners and search for “#HeCreatedStudy” to find the weekly prompts. To join the group click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BibleJournalingforBeginners.

There are multiple options to do the study. The devotional and kits are designed to help you take a deeper dive into the Word and start applying biblical principles to your life. They are not required, but they’re a fun way to grow in the Word creatively!

Subscribe to the 2018 kits – New for 2018! You can get all of the 2018 devotionals and their corresponding kit as they release for only $52. That’s $1/Week. You also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets Click here to purchase.

Purchase the kit by itself –New for 2018! Purchase the Renew devotional and kit for only $7. You’ll also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets. Click here to purchase.

Free option – To get the calendar and free mini-kit for Renew, please scroll to the bottom of this article and register for our emails before March 31, 2018. If you are on the email list and haven’t received it, please check your spam!

Imagine how wonderful it would be if you could walk in the divine power of God every day, simply by connecting with the creative nature of His Kingdom? Well you can, because it’s already within you. Since the beginning of time, God’s children have had the power to release their creative expressions, demonstrating their love for Him.

The Trinity is Creative

God (created the Heavens and earth, Genesis 1:1), Jesus (was a carpenter Mark 6:3), and the Holy Spirit are creative (Exodus 35:31). Because you are created in God’s image and filled with the Holy Spirit, you are also creative. But that doesn’t mean that you have to paint or be an artist. You can be an engineer, stay-at-home mom, a teacher, accountant, etc., and use your creativity in what you do every day, putting your whole heart into the process.

The Story of Creation

The creation story is where we become a part of God’s plan, witnessing our creation through Adam and Eve, and ultimately discovering our humanity. In Genesis 1:1, we realize God’s purpose for our existence, made in His image and likeness. Talk about the ultimate in creativity! Doesn’t it make sense that, as part of God’s workmanship, we were created to do good work here on earth? The perfect example of “good work” is to embrace our creative gifts for the Kingdom of God.

How to Embrace Creativity for the Kingdom of God

Life can sometimes get in the way of making time to embrace our creativity. If this is a problem you’re familiar with, the following suggestions will help you focus. Consider making time for them.

Task 1: Identify Your Gifts

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your creative gifts, ask others around you what they think, and ask yourself what you’re most passionate about.

What do you do as a hobby because it’s fun? Maybe you haven’t considered it worthy of more time or effort because it’s so fun.

What’s burning inside of you that you tend to push down because of other priorities?

What do people say you’re naturally good at?

What do you love doing?

What do you dream about doing?

What do you get excited about?

What do you do in your “free” time?

Ask, ask, ask until you’ve identified your gifts.

Task 2: Seek Guidance

Turn to the Bible and research everything it says about your particular gift. Did anyone in the Bible have it? What did they do? For example, David had a gift for singing amongst other things. He sang of the Lord in front of his people to encourage them and to teach them. Many of the apostles had the gift of evangelism. What did they do? Where did they go?

Pray that God would guide you to use your gifts in a way that’s honoring and glorifying Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His plans for you. Talk to your pastor or mentor, and ask those around you whom you trust what they think about your gifts and how you should use them.

Task 3: Cultivate Your Gifts

Cultivate your gifts by reading, learning, practicing, failing, and getting back up. Rinse and repeat. Use your gifts for His glory. Nothing is too small or too big. In no specific order, use your gifts to:

Provide for your family and those around you

To lead others to God

To encourage others

To take care of the needy

Follow Jesus’ example. He did all of these things and so much more.

Task 5: Embrace Your Uniqueness

It’s so easy to look at what others are doing and say, “I can’t do it as well as she can, I don’t have the resources, and I’m not good enough.” Don’t do that! God made you with purpose. You have exactly what you need to do the task in front of you that needs to get done today.

“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 NIV).

Task 6: Go Create!

Faith is at the core of our beliefs and the foundation of our loving relationship with God. It’s the foundation through which we hold the Gospel’s truths in our daily lives. The actions we take give us the innate ability to live in God’s likeness. Through our actions we work, we create, and we dream. So, don’t hesitate to not only have faith, but to embrace creativity and your uniqueness.

By discerning our call cooperatively, we allow God to restore us to our true purpose. When we allow our creativity to flow as God designed at home, at work, and in our community, our lives exemplify the very words Jesus prayed: “your kingdom come and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

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Joining the Overflowing Love Study

There is no charge for joining the overflowing love study. You will be able to answer the weekly prompts using the calendar and mini-kit provided. To participate join our Facebook Group – Bible Journaling for Beginners and search for “#LoveStudy” to find the weekly prompts. To join the group click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BibleJournalingforBeginners.

There are multiple options to do the study. The devotional and kits are designed to help you take a deeper dive into the Word and start applying biblical principles to your life. They are not required, but they’re a fun way to grow in the Word creatively!

Subscribe to the 2018 kits – New for 2018! You can get all of the 2018 devotionals and their corresponding kit as they release for only $52. That’s $1/Week. You also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets Click here to purchase.

Purchase the kit by itself –New for 2018! Purchase the Renew devotional and kit for only $7. You’ll also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets. Click here to purchase.

Free option – To get the calendar and free mini-kit for Renew, please scroll to the bottom of this article and register for our emails before January 31, 2018. If you are on the email list and haven’t received it, please check your spam!

Leviticus 19:18 states, “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.”

The Bible commands Christians to love your neighbor as yourself, but sometimes that can be difficult for many reasons. Maybe you don’t know what love is because your view of love comes from the world. Perhaps you’ve experienced hurt or you feel that despite your best efforts, your neighbor is simply unlovable. Maybe you don’t love yourself and find it hard to do for others what you can’t do for yourself. Whatever the reason, I encourage you to dive deep into this month’s study so that you might both experience and share the greatness of our God’s overflowing love.

What is Love?

Before you can begin to love others, you must first understand what love is. The easy answer can be found in 1 John 4:8. God is love. When you read 1 John 4:7-21, you discover a love that is so deep there are no English words to describe it.

Dictionary.com defines Love as:

a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.

sexual passion or desire.

None of the definitions above describe the love displayed in 1 John. The best way to describe this is to look at the Greek word Agape.

Agape love is unlike any love you’ve ever experienced. It’s the most self-sacrificing love there is. I simply can’t describe it in any way besides saying that it’s greater than the love that I have for my children, which is truly deep. I am so thankful that God loves me and you with agape love. I receive His love with thanks and work daily to show my love to others.

Tips for Learning How to Give Overflowing Love

Loving others, especially people that make it hard to love them, isn’t easy. Love doesn’t mean that you allow yourself to be a doormat or abused. It means that you do your best with what you have and rely on God to direct your path. Sometimes the best I can do to show someone I love them is to walk away and take a different path. As you begin to work through your heart consider these tips for love.

1. Love God

Before you begin to love, I believe that you first must love God, then yourself. God is always first in my life, so he comes first.

I show God love through my acceptance of Jesus Christ as my savior. My relationship with God involves prayer, worship, conversations, spending time in the Word, listening to the Holy Spirit, discerning His will, giving, serving, and taking action when the time comes (to name a few).

2. Believe That You Are Loved

To love God is to believe that He loves you. God is not like us. He is perfect, holy, loving and just. He has shown you agape love through the sacrifice of Jesus so that you can have a relationship with Him.

3. Love Yourself

Loving God means that you love the person he made you to be. Take care of yourself, ask for forgiveness for your sins, and work to be a better person each and every day. The Bible has so many wonderful Scriptures and instruction for your life. Start there. Don’t forget that while you’re asking for forgiveness from God, that you must also forgive yourself. You are not perfect, but thank goodness Jesus is.

4. Find a Mentor

Find someone who you believe does a great job at loving others and spend some time with her. Find a mentor in the Bible as well. Jesus is a wonderful mentor when it comes to love. There are so many verses in the Bible that show his miracles, compassion, and love for others.

5. Love the Unlovable

Loving the unlovable is hard for me, and I suspect it is for most people. Our world is full of “me first”, “me too”, and “me..me..me”. It’s heartbreaking. When someone steps on me, uses me, says hateful things to me, or hurts me, it’s hard to turn the other cheek. (Matthew 5:38-40) Sometimes the best thing I can do is walk away. (Proverbs 27:12) Healthy boundaries are a good thing!

Note: If you are experiencing abuse, please get help locally or nationally. While I believe that Jesus’ teachings mean that we depend on God rather than human weapons, I also believe that God will raise up those to fight oppressors.

6. Practice Love

Practice makes purpose! Here are 40 practical things you can do to show someone overflowing love:

Choose compassion over judgment

Forgive those who have wronged you

Help those who need help

Feed the hungry

Provide clothing to those who have none

Help provide clean water to those who have none

Support a homeless shelter

Comfort and provide for the sick

Pray for those in prison

Sincerely compliment someone every day

Look up, notice, and talk to the people who isolate themselves from members of the community, church, or school

Say thank you to the people who serve you (like the grocery store clerk, postal carrier, or fire fighter)

Say please

Talk to your neighbor

Tell your child’s teacher that you appreciate him or her

Donate items to a shelter or charity

Authentically tell someone they’re doing a good job (when they are)

Tell someone who made a difference in your life what they did

Teach someone a skill

Send someone a card to let them know you care

Volunteer at a shelter

Donate to a charity

Take care of the neighbor’s dog when they’re out of town

Roll the neighbors trash back to their house after pickup

Help a family in financial need with groceries or utilities

Have dinner as a family every night this week.

Give up your seat for someone else

Say hi to people and engage in conversation

Pass out water or food to the homeless

Mentor someone

Donate blood

Volunteer at church or in your community

Pick up the trash or doggie droppings from your neighbor’s yard

Post something positive or encouraging on social media

Defend someone who’s been wronged

Foster or adopt a child

Open the door for others

Let someone go before you in line

Listen to someone who’s going through a difficult time

Teach your children to love by first being a good example

There are so many ways to show love. These are just a few. What are your favorite ways to show others overflowing love?

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What Does it Mean to Renew?

I love restoration projects, but truth be told, I often wish the renewal would be instant. The process takes so long and requires quite a bit of effort regardless of what you’ve decided to renew.

Renewing is the process of transformation. The 1970’s cabinets in my home were a dull brown before I restored them. I spent months trying to decide what type of kitchen I wanted so that I could pick out the perfect shade of white. At first, I thought the project would be easy; a splash of paint and I’d call it a day. In reality, it took an entire weekend.

The cabinets needed to be taken down, sanded, cleaned, and primed before they could be painted. Taking them down was easy. I labeled them so I would remember where they went. Then I set up an assembly line in my garage. It was there that 24 doors and 15 drawers were renewed. Oh, and I also spray painted the hardware in a lovely chrome finish so they would look great too.

Restoration of any kind needs a solid foundation, time, practice, and patience. Some projects are weekend projects, like the cabinets. Larger projects, like restoring a house can take years. The same is true for renewing oneself.

It can take years to lose the weight, but a weekend to clean out the junk food from your house. It can take years to pay off a mortgage, but a weekend to earn enough money delivering pizzas to make a little extra to pay down the balance. Sure, losing the weight and being debt free would be awesome today. But, that’s not the deal in this life. Renewing anything is a process. Here’s what I do.

The Renew Process

Before I start anything, I must rest in the knowledge that I am exactly where I need to be right now. God has me where I am for a reason. The ache in my heart to change or do something is there for a reason.

I am about to go on an amazing journey! But, whatever happens on this journey, I must rest in the knowledge that I am loved and cared for. My identity in Jesus Christ is what determines where I’ve been, what I’ll do moving forward, and my eternal future in Heaven. I didn’t earn this. It was given freely to me by faith alone, and I am so thankful for it. You can have it too. (John 3:16)

1. Agreement

I have to keep things simple. Focusing on one thing has truly helped me grow more than I thought possible.

Before you can begin renewing or restoring yourself, you need to agree on what it is you’re trying to do. Pick one thing and be very specific. Trying to do it all at once is the perfect recipe for frustration and often leads to giving up after your motivation wanes.

2. Foundation

I can’t do anything apart from God (John 15:5). He is my foundation.

Set up a good foundation that’s rooted in the Bible. I always say that the Bible is life’s instruction manual. Everything you NEED to know is there. If you’re trying to lose weight, search for verses about health, food, and honoring your body. If you’re trying to get out of debt, search for verses about money, loans, and debt.

Write these verses down and keep them in your devotional, journal, Bible journal, or on index cards. Refer to them along your journey.

3. Prayer

Prayer is a conversation between you and your Father. Ask the Lord to renew your mind and guide you on your the journey. Ask Him for his direction and will. Then, ask him to give you the strength and wisdom to follow it.

Pray even when you don’t want to. Make it a habit of praying constantly, throughout the day, even when it’s a great day (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Don’t just pray when you need help. Your Father wants to hear from you when you’re doing great too.

4. Love

I have found that the devil loves it when I beat myself up. When I tell myself that I’m not good enough or that someone else is a better fit, he wins. If I truly want what I set out to achieve, I have to stop beating myself up and see myself as God sees me. You do too. (Romans 8:1)

To combat negative thoughts, I pray to remove them from my mind. Then I refer to verses or affirmations to help me remember that God is in control, that he loves me, and that I can do anything that’s according to His will.

Take some time to create a list of affirmations or verses to encourage you. It’s best if they are related to what you want to renew.

5. Take Action

All of these things take effort. Nothing about restoration is instant. You’ll start with a ton of motivation, and that’s great. It helps get the ball rolling. But, when that ball starts to slow down or go backward, seek His guidance. Review the steps above and follow His plan. With God, you’ve got this!

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